‘I’d pay £80million for him’ – Manchester United transfer target Cody Gakpo continues fine World Cup as goal for Netherlands against Qatar puts him level with Kylian Mbappe

Cody Gakpo is proving himself to be one of football's hottest prospects after he scored yet another World Cup goal for Netherlands.

The PSV forward, who is the subject of transfer interest from Manchester United, netted the opener for his country in a 2-0 win over Qatar in their final Group A match.

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Gakpo's strike was his third of the tournament so far, which makes him the joint-top goalscorer alongside France's Kylian Mbappe and Ecuador's Enner Valencia.

His talent is clear to see, with talkSPORT's Alvin Martin saying: "A really really good strike, the power was there, the precision was there. He's got so. many ways of finishing this guy.

"The variation of his finishes impresses me, whether it's with his left foot, right foot or header. He's their man man."

Meanwhile, commentator Adam Bridge added: "If he does go to Manchester United, they're getting themselves some player there."

And former Premier League star Joe Cole told ITV Sport: "He would have been on the databases of all the top clubs. I know there have been scouts watching him.

"He's come to the tournament. He's a young man, he's fearless, showed great movement for the goal, fantastic finishing, he's going to be high on everyone's wishlist."

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Queried by Nigel de Jong if he would pay £80million for Gakpo, he replied: "Yeah, I would, 100 per cent pay it because he's young and we know there is a value on youth.

"He looks like the real deal. I know it was Qatar. I know they are not one of the strongest nations but against Ecuador he scored, against Senegal he scored. He affects the game. And players that affect the game, that's where the value is.

"I really like him. I've liked what I've seen at PSV and I'm pretty sure there will be some offers on the door at PSV in January."

The 23-year-old is now also the fourth Dutchman to score in three consecutive World Cup matches after legends Johan Neeskens, Dennis Bergkamp and Wesley Sneijder.

His goal has helped Louis van Gaal's side to finish top of the group and advance to the Round of 16 with two wins from a possible three.

Early in the second half, Frenkie de Jong doubled Netherlands' lead as he tapped in from close range after his fellow Barcelona teammate Memphis Depay saw his initial effort saved.

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They pushed for a third and thought they had found it midway through the second half, but VAR ruled out the goal for a handball from Gakpo in the buildup.

Qatar offered little going forward as they tried to find a response, and have finished bottom of the group with just one goal to their name from the three games.

Netherlands on the other hand will now play the side who finish second in Group B in the Round of 16, with Senegal also advancing to the knockout stages after their win against Ecuador.